LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Tryouts are a
balance between standing out from the crowd and fitting in to the
larger team. That's especially true for Team USA, a fast-paced
squad that prides itself on systemic offense and smart defense.
During the last training weekend before the final selection for the
2013 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Women's World Cup,
the U.S. coaching staff is looking for players who combine power
with self-control.

"That's what our theme is for the weekend is — we don't
want to lose our athleticism, but we want to stay composed while
we're doing that," Team USA coach Ricky Fried said.

To that end, Team USA defeated Syracuse, 19-11, at the Champion
Challenge with a balanced attack. Ten different players scored, and
three — Katrina Dowd, Lindsey Munday and Laura Zimmerman
— had hat tricks. Attacker Katie Rowan was the points leader
for the U.S. with two goals and three assists.

"The coaching staff is trying a lot of different combinations,
but we're all familiar with playing with each other throughout the
year," Rowan said. "Everyone brings something a little different,
but being able to react to that, and know each other and build that
chemistry was important for this weekend."

The Orange scored first, on an unassisted goal from junior
attacker Alyssa Murray, who finished with five. But the U.S.
answered with three goals to take the lead for good. Team USA led
10-3 at the half, and used its signature ride to force 22 Syracuse
turnovers and allow the Orange to convert on only five of 15
clears.

"It's one of the things we're known for as the U.S. team, our
ride," Fried said. "Our players get very excited about it, and I
think people prepare for it because they know it will happen. I
honestly think there's a lot of pride that goes into how our
players execute it. We'll give up some easy goals out of it, but
the cost-benefit analysis usually falls in our favor."

Syracuse won the draw battle thanks to Kirkland Locey and Kailah
Kempney, who combined to win 18 of 32 attempts. Draws have been a
focus for Team USA, since there are no returning specialists from
the 2009 gold medal team. Midfielders Brittany Dashiell, Sarah
Albrecht, Kristen Carr and Allyson Carey all took the draw for the
U.S. versus the Orange.

Rowan, an assistant coach at Syracuse, went up against her own
players and alongside another one, attacker Michelle Tumolo. Tumolo
(two goals) was the No. 2 scorer for the Orange last season.
Without her, Syracuse struggled in face of a stiff U.S. defense,
especially in first half. Freshman midfielder Kayla Treanor scored
five goals. Defender Linley Block added a single goal on a fast
break in the second half. Syracuse was particularly stymied by
starting U.S. goalie Megan Huether, who had seven saves in the
first half.

"They're they best team in the world right now, and it's the
biggest challenge we're going to face," Murray said. "Our offense
played really well at times, but I think at times we got flustered
under pressure which is something that we'll work on for the
future."

Following the win over Syracuse, the U.S. heads into a game
against defending NCAA champion Northwestern at 11 a.m. ET Sunday
(ESPN3.com/LaxMagazine.com live blog). The matchup with the
Wildcats will be the last team event before the current 25-player
roster is pared down to 18.

Northwestern beats England in OT

Northwestern senior attacker Erin Fitzgerald scored the
game-winner on a low shot with 20.5 seconds remaining in overtime
to give the Wildcats an 11-10 win, capping a back-and-forth contest
between with Team England that featured five ties and three lead
changes. Junior attacker Kara Mupo assisted Fitzgerald's goal.

"We told each other, 'Let's just get a lot of movement out
there.' We were kindif standing and watching each other, so we
started moving a lot. The cut throughs by my teammates were there,
and I just happened to be open," Fitzgerald said.

England led 10-9 late in the second half, but Northwestern
senior midfielder Taylor Thornton scored an equalizer at 1:16.
Northwestern almost avoided overtime when Amanda Macaluso scored
with 44.7 seconds remaining in regulation, but the point was waived
off due to an illegal stick.

"We enjoyed being able to play the extra time. It's more testing
the waters at this point, getting their confidence in playing
together," Wildcats coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. "It's our first
time out. We obviously have a long way to go."

England nearly sent the game to double overtime when attacker
Charlie Finnigan got a fast break in the final minute, but she
collided with Thornton and Fitzgerald and drew an offensive charge
call with just 5.7 seconds remaining.

Sophie Brett led England with five goals; Thornton and Alyssa
Leonard each scored two for Northwestern.